Lessons From The Emmys

Sunday night’s Emmy Awards offered a snapshot of television’s current moment. The night highlighted the central role TV plays in our social lives (Adolescence), the political stakes behind editorial independence (The Late Show), the resurgence of traditional cable content on streaming platforms (The Pitt), and Hollywood’s enduring love for meta references (The Studio).

Adolescence Breaks Out 

Adolescence racked up 140 million views in its first three months on Netflix, with every episode filmed in a single continuous take. The series sparked a global conversation about online “incel” culture and real-world violence. 

On top of becoming a huge audience success, Adolescence won Best Limited Series, Best Directing, and Best Writing. Stephen Graham earned Best Actor in a Limited Series, while Erin Doherty took Best Supporting Actress. Owen Cooper joined the ranks of the youngest Emmy winners as Best Supporting Actor. The viewership and awards reinforce how much television can spark vital conversations in our society (The Guardian).

Late-Night Solidarity 

Jimmy Kimmel put up a billboard in West Hollywood urging Emmy voters to back The Late Show With Stephen Colbert instead of his own show. The message “I’m voting for Stephen” was both a public endorsement and a pointed response to CBS’s cancellation of The Late Show. And it worked: Colbert won Outstanding Talk Series and a standing ovation.

The cancellation, set to happen in seven months' time, sparked speculation about political motivations, given late-night TV’s increasingly critical coverage of the current US President.

Observers suggested the move highlights broader concerns about editorial independence. *At the time this newsletter went out, Jimmy Kimmel Live has been abruptly suspended by ABC (LA Times).

The Pitt Claims Drama 

Several factors helped The Pitt stand out. Noah Wyle’s comeback was widely framed as a “Cinderella story,” boosting its awards appeal. The actor had been nominated five consecutive times for his role as a doctor in ER, but never won. Playing another doctor in a series very much derived from the original cable-TV procedural drama show, Wyle finally got his recognition.

Although Severance was considered a frontrunner, The Pitt stood out for several reasons. Its momentum as a new show contrasted with Severance’s nearly three-year gap between seasons. Filming locally also gave The Pitt an added edge at a time when Hollywood is focused on reviving productions (THR).

The Studio Sweeps Comedy 

Hollywood’s fascination with itself may have given The Studio leverage over shows like Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders in the Building, Shrinking, and What We Do in the Shadows. 

The show tied the record for most comedy nominations in a single year (23) and broke the record for wins, taking 13 Emmys. Seth Rogen made history as the first person to win Emmys for producing, directing, writing, and lead acting in comedy in the same year (THR).

In Conclusion 

It was a pleasure to attend this year’s Emmy ceremony and witness a record-breaking wins, bold gestures, and surprising outcomes. While a few shows dominated, the night reminded us why award season is always full of surprises — and why TV remains one of the most exciting, unpredictable art forms around.

At Malin Entertainment, we believe that, regardless of politics, television should remain free from censorship and editorial interference.

We'd love to hear your thoughts,

Laura